Can you recycle vacuum cleaners?
Vacuum cleaners are WEEE — take them to the large or small electricals area at your recycling centre, or use retailer take-back. Cordless models contain lithium battery packs: if removable, take the battery to a battery point; if not, tell staff so it goes in the right stream. Empty the dust canister into general waste first.
Tips
- Remove lithium packs from cordless vacs if you can
- Empty the dust into general waste (not compost — it's full of microplastic)
Which bin does it go in?
Recycling centre WEEE; remove and separately recycle any battery
🏭 Find the nearest suitable location
Check booking, proof-of-address and vehicle rules before travelling.
Background: Batteries, vapes & electricals: the fire-risk items.
Also searched as: hoovers, cordless vacuums, dyson.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?